Preamplifiers — PS Audio StellarGold Preamplifier

The StellarGold Preamplifier is a fully balanced solid-state line preamplifier from PS Audio, announced on 18 December 2023 alongside a StellarGold DAC. It uses pure analogue Class A amplification, and PS Audio keeps capacitors out of the signal route entirely. The US list price was USD 3,999, and both the silver and the black version carry a real gold-plated accent line across the front panel.

Key specs that matter

Connections comprise two XLR and two RCA input pairs, matched by two XLR and two RCA output pairs. Maximum gain is 12.6 dB. Input impedance is 100 kohm on XLR and 50 kohm on RCA, with 100 ohm output impedance. Frequency response runs from 15 Hz to 150 kHz within 0.1 dB, and the -3 dB bandwidth spans 5 Hz to 500 kHz. Maximum output is 20 V on XLR, and slew rate exceeds 100 V per microsecond. A USB port serves only for firmware updates. Power consumption is 15 W from a 100, 120 or 230 V supply at 50 or 60 Hz. The case is 432 mm wide, 84 mm tall and 330 mm deep including the knob, or 305 mm deep without it, and weighs 10.9 kg.

Engineering and use context

Two hand-built discrete amplification stages combine JFET and BJT devices in a hybrid arrangement. PS Audio keeps global feedback minimal and reaches low distortion through careful balancing and high current operation. Every incoming signal is converted to balanced form, and the circuit remains fully balanced throughout. The output stage is a high current Class A design able to drive long cable runs. Volume and balance are set by a fully balanced precision electronic version of a stepped attenuator. Input switching uses hand-selected double-pole double-throw relays with gold-plated contacts, and an oversized high-current transformer feeds multiple regulation stages.

Pairing

A front-panel menu and the supplied remote control input selection, input naming, IR control and other functions, and the same remote can operate other PS Audio components. PS Links and two trigger outputs let connected power amplifiers switch on with the preamplifier. A front standby button with a blue LED is joined by a main power toggle at the rear, and the display shows the volume level in digits. Launched together, the StellarGold DAC and this unit form a matching source and control combination from PS Audio.

Alternatives

PS Audio also built the BHK Signature Preamplifier, a hybrid design that places 12AU7 tubes ahead of a MOSFET output stage.